Adjusting to a new place

You have decided to cross national and cultural boundaries for the purpose of study. This experience can be exciting and rewarding. However, when facing the cultures, values, and traditions of another country, it is normal to experience difficult emotions as well. Emotions like sadness, loneliness, fear and confusion can be normal reactions to such a life transition. It can be very challenging for students to adjust to their new surroundings.

Knowing what to expect will help you better cope with your new experience. Moving to a new place can cause a culture shock. Culture shock is the anxiety experienced when a person moves to a new environment. When an individual enters a different culture, most of the familiar situations are removed, simple daily situations like how to introduce yourself, when to shake hands, when and how much tip to give, how to dress for different occasions and so on. This feeling will generally pass after the first few weeks.

1. You feel angry when facing inconveniences.
2. Experience irritability.
3. Try to stay distant from the people that are different from you.
4. Excessive homesickness.
5. Increment in the love and loyalty to your home country.
6. Loss of appetite or overeating.
7. Feelings of boredom.
8. Necessity to stay in bed.
9. Headaches, upset stomach, and tendency to get sick easily.
10. Loss of interest and concentration in study or work.
11. Crying unexpectedly.
12. Problem in relationships like marriage.

1. The honeymoon stage: at the beginning everything is new and exiting, everybody is gracious and polite.
2. Stereotypes: In this stage the person might find some problems facing some situations presented day by day when trying to adapt to a new culture, for example problems trying to communicate in a different language. At this moment the person will experience feelings like discontent, anger, sadness, incompetence or impatience.
3. Adaptation: You learn to deal with the new experiences and you and try to integrate them with your own beliefs. You are able to live well in the environment.
4. Final adjustment: In the final stage of adjustment you accept the customs of the country as just another way of living.

1. Do some research before leaving home, collect information from people that have already visited your destination. International students at your school can be a great source of such information.
2. Learn about the culture. Avoid doing things that might offend your hosts and fellow students.
3. Contact the destination country’s embassy in the U.S., and request information about that country.
4. Get friendly with the locals. They will help you with aspects you are not familiar with or don’t understand, and will introduce you to new people.
5. Try to learn the local language and use is to communicate with people around you.

Remember, even when things are getting a little difficult the greatest benefit of a multicultural experience is the sense of independents and possibilities you are creating for yourself. The opportunity of living and studying with fellow students from around the world will give you a great advantage in an era that is all about globalization and international markets.

Good Luck